Study and research in Germany

Hochschule

"Hochschule" is the generic term for the various kinds of higher education or tertiary level institutions (Hochschultypen), such as universities, universities of applied sciences or colleges of art, film or music (Kunst-, Film- und Musikhochschulen), or colleges of education (Pädagogische Hochschulen).

Lehrstuhl

"Lehrstuhl" is the German for academic chair and describes a tenured position for a professor at a university.

Semester

The academic year in Germany is generally divided into two semesters rather than three terms, such as is generally the case in the UK and other countries. German universities generally have a winter semester that runs from October to March and a summer semester that runs from April to September. A semester includes both the period when courses and lectures are held (Vorlesungszeit) and the time without lectures (recess) in which students can revise and prepare (Vorlesungsfreiezeit).

Universität

"Universität" means university and is used for research universities (wissenschaftliche Hochschulen) that offer a broad range of subjects (like arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, economics and business administration, law, medicine). These institutions confer doctorates. The strong research focus benefits students in their training. Please note, however, that English texts often use the term "university" generically, i.e. to cover all kinds of higher education institutions, for example, universities of the arts, universities of applied sciences, universities of education, etc.